Our Choir, in 1860-61. By You Know Who. Illustrated by Phiz. New York, 1861. [catalog record]

Purchase, Harry G. Stoddard Memorial Fund, 2008.

The Story:

Before 1880, several thousand American publications were illustrated with original mounted photographs, and AAS has an outstanding collection. Many are quite rare, like this recently acquired keepsake volume which is known in only two copies. During the winter of 1860-1861, choristers of New York’s Eleventh Presbyterian Church formed a strong social bond. Eighteen choir members are profiled here in verse, with albumen photographic portraits on facing pages. The choir’s female members come first, followed gallantly by the men.